IRIS Home Automation

[GWguy]

Up to now, there are various products that give you remote access to home device, but it was more like a bunch of different products using different apps or web addresses. The Iris system hubs all the sensors in your home into one access point. Door locks, security systems, thermostats, lights, outbound communications (text/email)... sounds pretty nice.
What Is Iris?

Seems to be some complaints on up-time and connectivity issues with the Hub, but it's still an early product.

[Chris0nllyn]

This is what I installed, back when I was in this line of work. It was a really nice product years ago when it first came out.

Control4 Home Automation and Smart Home Control > Home

[GWguy]

Originally Posted by Chris0nllyn

This is what I installed, back when I was in this line of work. It was a really nice product years ago when it first came out.

Control4 Home Automation and Smart Home Control > Home

Looks like it was more geared towards home entertainment. Still a nice integration.

[ylexot]

This is what I have:
http://micasaverde.com/

Basically the same thing except that IRIS can use Z-Wave and Zigbee. The Mi Casa Verde's are Z-Wave only, but most devices are available using either protocol.

BTW, they have refurb Vera2 units on sale for $100:
MI Casa Verde VERA2 Home Automation Z Wave Controller Factory Refurb US | eBay

[Chris0nllyn]

Originally Posted by GWguy

Looks like it was more geared towards home entertainment. Still a nice integration.

Somewhat, but it can do everything the company posted in the OP can.

It's also got contacts in the contrtollers, and can be programmed to whatever you want.

For example, I did a full home integration on a brand new house years ago.

Outside of your typical theater, living room, and bedroom TV's/surround sound systems, the house had a doorbell with a camera in it.

We programmed it so that when someone hit the doorbell, the TV's in the house would switch inputs to the doorbell cam, a doorbell sound would come out of the in-ceiling speakers, and you could pick the house phone up to talk to the person at your door. It was pretty slick.

Fortunately for me, I got out of the biz before the economy tanked, and no one wanted to drop $30k on a home theater.

[Chasey_Lane]

Originally Posted by Chris0nllyn

This is what I installed, back when I was in this line of work. It was a really nice product years ago when it first came out.

Control4 Home Automation and Smart Home Control > Home

We have this, too! LOVE it! Hubby is Control 4 and Crestron certified.

[Chris0nllyn]

Originally Posted by Chasey_Lane

We have this, too! LOVE it! Hubby is Control 4 and Crestron certified.

Nice isn't it?

Crestron is top notch! But not very budget friendly

[SoMdDude]

I use smart home INSTEON in my house to control lights, I have for along time, my friend who owns his own alarm/home automation business introduced me to it a while back when I worked for him. There are other systems out there that are much nicer, but are very expensive.

[ylexot]

Just saw this pop up on Engadget:
Almond+ WiFi router coming to Kickstarter: touchscreen, 802.11ac, home automation

The new device will incorporate a 2.8-inch 320 x 240 touchscreen for PC-free setup, dual band 802.11ac for speeds of up to 1,167Mbps, plus an integrated Smart Home hub that works with the slightly esoteric Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols. In conjunction with the iOS and Android app, this would let you access regular home automation tasks from anywhere, including security alerts and heating and lighting control.

Looks like it's not up on Kickstarter yet.

[GWguy]

I have an older X-10 system, but it only covers automated lighting. Never expanded the system.